Industrial Noise Control and Acoustic Ducting

Acoustic Ducting and acoustic lagging are systems or products to help mitigate or reduce Industrial noise which is generally defined as unwanted sound. A typical noise control problem includes three basic components: the noise source (machines, fans, pumps, processes etc.); the receiver (persons subjected to the noise); and the path (the route the noise travels between the source and the receiver indoors or outdoors).

Industrial noise can exist in two forms: airborne and structure-borne. Airborne noise travels from a source to a receiver as a differential in atmospheric pressure and can travel in all directions. Structure-borne noise is unwanted vibration, which is transmitted from a vibrating source to a receiver through a solid material and regenerated as airborne noise. Once the source, path and receiver have been identified, four tools are used to control the unwanted noise. These tools are: absorption, barriers (blocking), damping and vibration isolation.

Acoustic Barriers

Acoustic barriers reduce airborne noise transmission. Barrier effectiveness is dependent on barrier mass, properties associated with stiffness, and the environment or structural surroundings. Inspired Noise UK acoustic barriers are fabricated from transparent or opaque limp, mass-loaded vinyl. When placed between the source and the receiver they offer high transmission loss.

Damping

Damping reduces structure-borne noise generated by a vibrating surface by adding mass to the surface. Airborne noise re-generated by the vibrating surface is also reduced. Inspired Noise UK damping products are available in adhesive-backed sheets or in compound form that may be sprayed or troweled directly onto the vibrating surface.